Justice for my Sister follows one Guatemalan woman during her three-year battle to hold her sister's killer accountable.

"Justice for My Sister a powerful, landmark documentary for exposing injustices and moving forward advocacy for women and girls in Guatemala. It can also ignite other countries to address violence against women and femicide in a more serious and accountable way."

Justice for my Sister follows one Guatemalan woman during her three-year battle to hold her sister's killer accountable. She encounters many obstacles: a police record that is missing, a judge who is accused of killing his own wife, and witnesses who are too afraid to testify. In the end, it is one of the few cases of domestic violence murder that results in conviction in the last decade in Guatemala.

Reviews

"Kimberly Bautista impressed us with her commitment to her chosen subjects--not just in content, but also in the care she showed with the individuals she encountered and interviewed."

"A number of students said in our next class that they were quite moved and impressed by the film--it really made an impact on them. In fact, it probably was the highlight of our semester."

Linda Lumsden, Associate Professor, Journalism, The University of Arizona

"This film is incredible. You have no idea. All the world should see it."

Kate del Castillo, Human Rights Advocate and Mexican Actress

“Kimberly's determination to bring Guatemalan women's stories to the screen and to use social media to further her message is exemplary. Guatemala will be a better place for women thanks to Kimberly Bautista.”

B. Ruby Rich, Director of the Social Documentation Program at University of California, Santa Cruz

Director's Commentary:

At its core, JUSTICE FOR MY SISTER is a David versus Goliath story. One woman takes on a giant system with all the odds stacked against her – and her resilience and power is unstoppable. Rebeca became a larger than figure in her community, and a reference for other women. The film has given a platform for Rebeca to share her story, and that in and of itself initiates a process of breaking the silence, leaving all internalized victim-blaming and guilt aside for viewers who have also experienced gender-based violence. Rebeca breaks the silence, and encourages others to do so as well.

The film shows that one individual can channel pain from a traumatic loss and use it as fuel for personal growth and communal healing. By the same token, the film’s extensive coverage of Rebeca and her family illustrates the long-term emotional toll that a violent crime of this nature has on them and on the entire community.

I have witnessed the inspiration generated in audiences upon viewing Rebeca’s unwavering determination to bring justice to light. Upon watching the film, I encourage you to question how you personally can contribute to diminish violence against women. What ways can your own personal beliefs about gender power dynamics shift in order to contribute to a culture that prohibits victim-blaming?

In sharing my story of the sexual abuse that I suffered during production of the film, several audience members have shared their stories of survival with me. When we share our stories, we set shame to the side, and truly embrace the fact that the abuse we experience was not our fault, but that of those who caused harm to us (our aggressors). Rebeca’s courage to speak out has encouraged me to speak out as well, and as we challenge the stigma that marks gender-based violence, we create a culture where others can as well. Please like us on Facebook, spread the word to your contacts, and host a screening in your community. The more people that see the film, the more impact it will have.